keep 1 of 2

1
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony keep the Sabbath by not working

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to store
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in to maintain
to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

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keep

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word keep different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of keep
Verb
The reissued advisory keeps Italy at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025 The deceptively simple secret to this prolific output that keeps Caamp (in addition to Sumbuck, his solo side project) awash in deeply personal, bittersweet vignettes? Janine Schaults, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Noun
Tell that to the millions of regular people working at fast-food joints and factories who must go to work every day to earn their keep. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Why does the corporate portion of income tax keep falling? Erik Sherman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • This Ohio woman sued her employer claiming discrimination over her heterosexuality, and this star celebrated her 60th birthday wearing a bikini.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • That visit coincided with the museum’s Wyeth retrospective, an exhibit which celebrated N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew, and his grandson Jamie.
    Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Cons Vermiculite can retain too much water for plants that thrive in drier conditions.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
  • Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules, keeping things moist and hydrated by drawing moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • These are the building blocks that will help retailers fulfill the promise of their RMNs—not just as a media platform, but as a growth engine.
    Lindsey Mazza, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • To fulfill President Donald Trump's plan to build America into a manufacturing powerhouse, permitting reform needs to go hand-in-hand with the administration's industrial strategy, which also includes tariffs on steel, tax cuts, and deregulation.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Researchers say that the total economic value of oceans needs to include the direct use of oceans like fishing and tourism as well as indirect functions like storing carbon and protecting biodiversity that keeps the planet in balance.
    Justin Worland, Time, 5 June 2025
  • They were initially created as a way for crypto investors to store their money but have grown in popularity in recent years for their use in digital payments.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors said the defendants had marketed gaming operations in the two states and helped internet cafes set and maintain terminals that operated the games, which could be played for credits.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
  • It was designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and creators seeking long-term or permanent residences in natural settings, while maintaining access to connectivity and quality.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Klamath Fire has been burning on federal land managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, a close friend—formerly —serves as the operating partner, managing the day-to-day logistics.
    Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Lau’s discipline is the physical extension of a whole philosophy of muscle development, harnessing of qi (energy) to help people know and control their body.
    Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • The missing money controlled by Velazquez was supposed to go toward undercover narcotics operations.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • While these fears may be well-founded, our response should not be to reject crypto altogether, but rather embrace thoughtful policies to mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote transparency.
    Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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